The Department of Economic Development has announced that new TV deals have been confirmed by North One TV with major international broadcasters which are set to deliver increased revenue and profile for the TT Races and the Isle of Man.

In the UK, ITV has agreed a new five-year deal to screen fifteen one-hour TT Races highlights programmes, which will be screened on ITV4, with many of the shows featuring same day highlights from the Isle of Man.

Internationally, a five-year agreement has been reached with Velocity Channel in the USA to show seven one-hour race shows, screened within twenty four hours of each race, tailored specifically to the American market.

A new broadcaster, Fox Sports in Australia, has also agreed a three-year deal to show fifteen one-hour programmes.

All contracts run from this year’s event.

The Department’s Political Member for Motorsport David Cretney MHK commented:

‘Working with North One, we are establishing a strong market for the TT’s worldwide television coverage. Specific broadcasters are beginning to bid against each other to secure the exclusive TV rights which bodes well for the future.

‘The increased audience for the event has several benefits. It increases the global awareness and image of both the TT Races and Isle of Man, which helps to attract visitors and business investment. It also generates further revenue, helping to reduce the cost to the taxpayer.’

North One Television has produced TV coverage and managed distribution of the Isle of Man TT Races since its appointment ahead of the 2009 TT Races. During that time the worldwide TT audience has grown from 8.1 million in 2010 to 24.4 million viewers in 2013* with programming going out in more than 130 countries. (*source: audited viewing figures from Kantar Sport 2013.)
In 2013 the Isle of Man TT Races received over 400 hours of global coverage through the international highlight shows.

North One TV has appointed Isle of Man-based Duke Marketing to manage programme distribution outside the UK, American and Australian markets, negotiating sales of the twelve one-hour international highlights programmes.

Neil Duncanson, Chief Executive, North One TV, commented:

‘These three new deals are the cornerstone of our distribution plans. ITV have been excellent partners here in the UK and the figures for the USA and Australia are growing fast. We’re delighted Duke have come on board to work with us on expanding our sales worldwide.’

Duke is already responsible for managing the TT’s official YouTube Channel, which reached a worldwide audience of 43 million through uploaded TT video clips in 2013.

As well as featuring this year’s official TT launch live from the Villa Marina on Tuesday 15th April, the company will also stream post-race press conferences and live pre-race footage from the paddock via the YouTube channel during 2014.

‘We are really pleased to be playing a greater role in promoting the TT worldwide. Our objective is to double the vast international audience with the addition of live footage on YouTube as well as growing the television market through increased distribution of the highlights packages.’